Different Ways to Cook and Season Brussel Sprouts
I am a huge fan of just grabbing Brussel sprouts from the freezer and steaming them in the microwave, but that is just one method to cooking Brussel sprouts! As we start to get into winter, fresh Brussel sprouts also start hitting grocery stores.
So, today we are going to go over all the different ways you can cook Brussel sprouts, as well as a ton of options to season them. Also keep in mind that you might not have liked them one way in the past, and you could totally love them a different way now.
How to Cook Brussel Sprouts?
Here are the easiest ways that you can cook fresh Brussel sprouts. You will want to clean them and trim them before cooking them!
Roasting
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut Brussels sprouts in half or quarters if they are large, and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the edges are crispy and browned while the centers are tender. Optional: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or Parmesan cheese before serving.
Sauté
Slice Brussels sprouts in half or shred them thinly. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil or butter. Add the sprouts to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Steaming
Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and place them in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 6–8 minutes until they are bright green and fork-tender. Drain and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice, or toss with melted butter for a simple and healthy side dish.
Boiling
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add whole or halved Brussels sprouts to the water and boil for 5–7 minutes, until they are just tender but not mushy. Drain them immediately and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or use them in another dish such as a salad or casserole.
Air Fryer
Cut Brussels sprouts in half or quarters, depending on their size. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and your favorite seasonings. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the sprouts in the basket in a single layer and cook for 10–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown. For extra flavor, drizzle with honey or sprinkle with Parmesan after air frying.
Grilling
Halve or quarter Brussels sprouts and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Thread them onto skewers or place them in a grill basket to prevent them from falling through the grates. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, until they are slightly charred and tender. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Shave/Shred for Salads or Slaws
Use a mandoline or sharp knife to thinly slice Brussels sprouts into shreds. Toss the raw sprouts with a tangy dressing, such as a lemon vinaigrette, and add mix-ins like dried cranberries, nuts, cheese, or apple slices. Let the salad sit for 15 minutes to slightly soften the sprouts before serving for the best texture.
Quarter Them and Use for Soups or Stir-Fries
Trim and quarter Brussels sprouts, then toss them into your favorite soup or stir-fry for added flavor and texture. For soups, add them during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking so they stay tender but not mushy. In stir-fries, cook them over high heat with your chosen protein, sauce, and other vegetables for a quick, nutritious meal.
What seasoning works with Brussel Sprouts?
Once we have the Brussel sprouts cooked, we also need to know how to season them. So, let’s go over all the different options that pair well!
Thyme
Thyme pairs well with Brussels sprouts because its earthy, slightly lemony flavor complements the nutty, slightly bitter taste of the sprouts. It works beautifully in roasted or sautéed dishes, enhancing their natural sweetness.
Rosemary
The bold, aromatic flavor of rosemary adds a woodsy depth to Brussels sprouts, especially when roasted. Its robust character stands up well to the hearty texture of the sprouts, creating a flavorful and fragrant dish.
Sage
Sage’s warm, savory notes are perfect for fall-inspired Brussels sprouts recipes. It pairs beautifully with roasted sprouts, butter, and earthy flavors like garlic or nuts, making it a staple herb for holiday dishes.
Parsley
Parsley brings a fresh, bright flavor that lightens up the richness of cooked Brussels sprouts. Use it as a garnish for roasted, steamed, or sautéed sprouts to add a pop of color and a subtle herbal note.
Dill
Dill’s tangy, slightly sweet flavor pairs well with Brussels sprouts in salads, steamed preparations, or even quick pickling. Its fresh, aromatic profile balances the sprouts’ nutty and bitter undertones.
Chives
Chives add a mild, onion-like flavor to Brussels sprouts without overpowering their natural taste. They’re ideal for finishing roasted or sautéed sprouts, offering a fresh and subtle onion kick.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder enhances the natural nuttiness of Brussels sprouts with its rich, savory flavor. It’s a versatile seasoning that works well in roasted, sautéed, or air-fried preparations, adding depth without overpowering the dish.
Onion Powder
Onion powder brings a sweet, savory warmth to Brussels sprouts, complementing their slightly bitter undertones. It’s a great way to add allium flavor to dishes where fresh onions might be too overpowering.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds a surprising sweet and warm flavor to Brussels sprouts, especially when paired with roasted preparations that include a hint of maple syrup or balsamic glaze. It’s perfect for fall-inspired dishes.
Red Pepper Flakes
Red pepper flakes bring a touch of heat to Brussels sprouts, balancing their earthy flavor with a spicy kick. They’re especially delicious in roasted or stir-fried sprouts for a bold, vibrant dish.
Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika adds a rich, smoky flavor that elevates Brussels sprouts, especially when roasted or sautéed. It pairs well with olive oil and other seasonings for a slightly sweet and savory profile.
Ground Cumin
Ground cumin imparts a warm, earthy depth that enhances the nutty flavor of Brussels sprouts. It’s an excellent addition to roasted or stir-fried sprouts, particularly in dishes with Mediterranean or Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ranch Seasoning
Ranch seasoning adds a creamy, tangy flavor to Brussels sprouts, making them kid-friendly and satisfying. It’s perfect for roasting or sprinkling over air-fried sprouts for a quick, flavorful twist.
Italian Blend
Italian seasoning combines herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, which pair beautifully with Brussels sprouts. It adds a classic Mediterranean flavor, making it ideal for roasted or sautéed dishes.
Montreal Steak Seasoning
Montreal steak seasoning brings a bold, peppery flavor with garlic, onion, and paprika, enhancing the hearty taste of Brussels sprouts. It’s a great option for grilling or roasting sprouts with a savory edge.
Cajun Seasoning
Cajun seasoning provides a spicy, smoky kick that livens up Brussels sprouts. It’s excellent for roasting or sautéing, especially when paired with bold flavors like garlic or sausage.
Lemon Pepper
Lemon pepper adds a bright, citrusy flavor with a hint of spice, balancing the slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts. It’s a fantastic seasoning for steamed, roasted, or air-fried preparations.
Garlic & Herb
Garlic & herb seasoning offers a blend of savory and aromatic flavors that complement Brussels sprouts’ nutty profile. It’s a versatile choice for any cooking method, from roasting to steaming.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce brings a deep, umami-rich flavor to Brussels sprouts, enhancing their natural nuttiness. It’s especially good in stir-fried or roasted dishes, adding a savory and slightly salty kick.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness that balances the slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts. Drizzle it over roasted sprouts or combine it with other seasonings like Dijon mustard or soy sauce for a sweet-savory glaze.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of Brussels sprouts. It’s ideal for steamed or sautéed sprouts and works well in vinaigrettes or marinades for a fresh, zesty flavor.
Honey Mustard
Honey mustard offers the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors that pair beautifully with roasted or air-fried Brussels sprouts. Toss the sprouts with this sauce before cooking or use it as a dipping sauce.
Chili Garlic or Sriracha
Chili garlic sauce or Sriracha provides a spicy, garlicky kick that complements the earthiness of Brussels sprouts. Add a dollop to stir-fries, or drizzle over roasted sprouts for bold, fiery flavor.
Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce combines sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, making it an excellent match for Brussels sprouts. Use it as a glaze for roasting or stir-frying to create a caramelized, flavorful coating.
What to do with Brussel Sprouts?
Hopefully this list of ways to cook and season Brussel sprouts has inspired you to pick up some fresh ones to try for dinner. You never know, you might not have liked Brussel Sprouts in the past and they could become your new favorite side dish!
